Clarification on Drug Dispensing Rules

The following must be written on the face of the prescription during partial filling:
1. Date of partial filling
2. Number of units or drug products served and the remaining balance unserved
3. Name and address of the dispensing drugstore
The partially-filled prescription must be returned to the buyer after recording in the prescription book.
The drugstore completing the filling shall keep the original prescription in its files.

Partial filling prohibition does not apply to products listed in List A of A.O. 63 s. 1989 which are classified as Dangerous Drugs.
Such products are governed by the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) regulations concerning prescription and dispensing.

Prescriptions filled must be entered in the official Prescription Book no later than the end of each quarter.
Using a computerized database containing the same information as the Prescription Book constitutes substantial compliance.
Prescriptions must be recorded consecutively and systematically for easy retrieval.
Prescription records must be available for inspection by authorized Food and Drug Regulation Officers or National Drug Policy (NDP) Monitors during business hours.

Drug outlets must provide a handbook, directory, or "Menu Cards" or posters listing:
- Drug products using generic names and their corresponding brand names
- Current prices of each product
An example is provided for the generic drug Ampicillin Trihydrate, with various brand names, manufacturers, and prices.

The generic name and the company’s name (manufacturer or trader as on the product label) must be written on the reverse side of the prescription before filing.

Retaining violative or erroneous prescriptions in files for inspection and collection by BFAD Inspectors or authorized NDP Monitors satisfies reporting requirements under Section 4.0 of A.O. 63 s. 1989.

Possible administrative sanctions include:
- Suspension or revocation of the drug outlet license by the Secretary of Health.
- Recommendation for administrative sanctions by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) against professionals involved.
Under Section 41 of R.A. 5921:
- Pharmacists violating certain provisions or practicing after suspension/revocation may face fines ranging from 100 to 500 pesos or imprisonment from 30 days to 4 months.
Section 38 of R.A. 5921 requires pharmacists to dispense potent drugs only upon valid prescription from a licensed physician, dentist, or veterinarian.

Compliance with Section 2.2.1.2 of A.O. 56 s. 1989 requires availability of at least one required reference book from specified listings.
Having any one of these reference books at drug outlets constitutes substantial compliance.

Adopted on 6 June 1990 (Signed by Director Cecile P. Gonzalez)